LOCAL AND STATE NEWS
ICE — FLIGHT WATCH AND TWIN FALLS ARREST
More than 800 detainees have been flown out of Idaho since activists discovered ICE operations at Twin Falls’ regional airport in May, according to the Times-News.
Retired volunteers with Magic Valley Habeas Flight Watch document flights using cameras, binoculars and telescopes, sharing records with a national monitoring network.
The group also supports the family of Jose Eduardo Tomas-Hernandez, arrested October 22 during an operation involving a battering ram and an armed sheriff’s deputy.
Tomas-Hernandez pleaded not guilty to a federal charge of returning after deportation. His trial is scheduled for December 14.
Questions remain about the force used and local involvement. ICE and the sheriff’s office had not responded to the newspaper’s requests for comment when the report was published.
RURAL HEALTH — MAGIC VALLEY FUNDING
A major investment in rural healthcare is headed to Idaho, and some of that money will directly benefit families here in the Magic Valley.
Governor Brad Little says the state has awarded 186 million dollars in first-year funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program. It’s part of a nearly one-billion-dollar federal investment over five years aimed at improving healthcare in rural communities.
And Twin Falls County is among those expected to benefit.
More than 1-point-2 million dollars will help establish medication treatment units in Twin Falls and Bonneville counties for people battling opioid addiction.
St. Luke’s Health System is receiving nearly 1-point-6 million dollars for a mobile screening program that will bring lung cancer screenings and heart-health testing to rural communities, including Twin Falls County.
Meanwhile, the Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf and the Blind in Gooding is receiving nearly 900-thousand dollars for a mobile pediatric hearing clinic.
Governor Little says the goal is simple: improve access to affordable healthcare, recruit medical professionals, and make sure Idaho families don’t have to travel long distances to get the care they need.
JEROME — LINCOLN AVENUE CLOSURE
Heads up for drivers in Jerome! Another downtown road closure is coming next week.
Starting Monday, November 2nd, Lincoln Avenue will be closed at Main Street for about a week as work continues on the city’s Downtown Construction Project.
Motorists traveling through the Buchanan Street area should be prepared for detours and possible delays.
City officials are reminding drivers to follow posted detour signs, use caution around construction crews, and allow a little extra time to reach their destinations.
The closure is expected to last approximately one week.
U.S. SENATE — RISCH AND ACHILLES POLLING
The race for Idaho’s U.S. Senate seat could be a lot closer than some expected—or it could be a comfortable win for the incumbent. It all depends on which political poll you believe.
A new survey released by independent candidate Todd Achilles shows Republican Senator Jim Risch leading by just six points, with eight percent of voters still undecided.
But polling commissioned by Risch’s campaign tells a very different story. A late-September survey showed Risch ahead 49 to 24 percent.
Political experts say there’s a reason for the big difference. The campaigns used different polling methods, and the latest Achilles survey didn’t include all four candidates in the race.
Adding to the uncertainty, Idaho has very little independent political polling, leaving voters largely dependent on surveys paid for by the candidates themselves.
Risch is seeking his fourth six-year term in the Senate, while Achilles is hoping to pull off an upset in a state that traditionally votes Republican.
Voters will have the final say on November 3rd.
PUBLIC DEFENSE — IDAHO SUPREME COURT RULING
The Idaho Supreme Court has handed the state a major victory in a decade-long legal battle over public defenders, but the fight may not be over.
In a 3-to-2 decision Wednesday, justices upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit challenging Idaho’s public defense system, which provides attorneys for people who cannot afford one.
The lawsuit, originally filed by the ACLU in 2015, argued Idaho was failing to meet its constitutional obligation to provide adequate legal representation.
But the majority ruled there wasn’t enough evidence to show that problems with the old county-based system would continue under the new statewide system launched in 2024.
Two justices disagreed, arguing the state’s reforms haven’t yet been proven effective.
The ACLU called the ruling disappointing, claiming some Idahoans still spend months in jail without access to an attorney.
Importantly, the court did not rule that the new system is constitutional. It simply found insufficient grounds to keep the existing lawsuit moving forward.
The ACLU says it’s reviewing its next steps.
WATER RIGHTS — IDAHO AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT LAWSUITS
Who has the final say over water rights in Idaho? The state or the federal government? That question is now at the center of a major legal battle involving Idaho National Laboratory.
The federal government is suing Idaho, arguing the state has no authority to shut off water to the nuclear research facility or regulate federal water rights.
The dispute began after Idaho water officials issued an order in May that could cut off water to users with rights established after October of 1900.
Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador is fighting back. The state has filed a countersuit, arguing the federal government must follow the same water laws as Idaho farmers, ranchers and other users.
The Department of Energy holds rights to 35-thousand acre-feet of water annually and warns that shutting off water to the laboratory could threaten nuclear safety, energy research and national defense projects.
Governor Brad Little says Idaho will continue working with federal officials toward a solution, but protecting the state’s water resources remains a priority.
The case could have far-reaching consequences for how water rights are managed across Idaho.
GROCERY MERGER — ALBERTSONS AND KROGER TRIAL
A grocery merger that never happened is now at the center of a multibillion-dollar courtroom battle, and a former grocery executive is changing his tune.
Former Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen now says the company’s failed merger with Boise-based Albertsons was, in his words, “doomed from the beginning.”
That’s quite a turnaround after spending nearly two years trying to make the deal happen.
Testifying in a Delaware courtroom, McMullen blamed federal regulators under the Biden administration for blocking the merger in late 2024.
But Albertsons tells a different story. The company claims Kroger didn’t do enough to win regulatory approval and repeatedly offered proposals it knew regulators wouldn’t accept.
Albertsons is seeking a 600-million-dollar termination fee, along with additional damages, interest and costs, with total claims potentially reaching 9-point-3 billion dollars.
McMullen’s testimony is a sharp contrast to his earlier enthusiasm for the merger, when he publicly expressed confidence that the two grocery giants would become one company.
A federal judge blocked the merger in December 2024, and Albertsons walked away from the deal the following day.
The trial continues this week in Delaware.
THURSDAY SPORTS SOCIAL MEDIA
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL — MAGIC VALLEY PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
The road to an Idaho high school football state championship is officially underway, and nine Magic Valley teams are hitting the field this weekend for playoff action!
Tomorrow night, Oakley hosts Idaho City at 6, while Raft River welcomes Grace, also at 6.
At 7, Buhl hosts Ririe, and Castleford takes on Hansen in a Magic Valley showdown.
Kimberly and Gooding meet for the second straight week, this time with playoff survival on the line. Kickoff is at 7 in Kimberly.
In 5A, Twin Falls welcomes Bonneville at 7, while Minico makes the long trip north to face Sandpoint.
Wood River is also on the road, taking on Emmett at 7.
And Saturday morning, Richfield hosts Deary at 11.
It’s win or go home as the chase for a state championship heats up across Southern Idaho!
EIGHT-MAN FOOTBALL — REGULAR-SEASON PERFORMANCES
Eight-man football delivered some incredible performances to close out the regular season, and several Magic Valley players are making headlines!
Castleford senior Connor Parish rushed for 325 yards on just 18 carries in the Wolves’ win over Richfield. He also picked off two passes on defense.
Hagerman’s Will Mavencamp was just as impressive, throwing for 236 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for another 104 yards and two scores. The Pirates beat Raft River to claim the Snake River Conference championship.
And Butte County’s Cooper Williams put up unbelievable numbers, rushing for 336 yards and six touchdowns on just ten carries against Grace.
Meanwhile, what a finish in Murtaugh! The Red Devils edged Glenns Ferry 30 to 24 in double overtime. Sophomore Owen Hunsaker scored the winning touchdown before Murtaugh’s defense slammed the door.
And here’s another impressive number! Hagerman’s Adam Nelson finished the regular season with 19 sacks, leading the entire state of Idaho, regardless of classification.
Eight-man football continues to prove that some of Idaho’s biggest performances come from its smallest schools!
BOISE STATE FOOTBALL — KELLEN MOORE RETURNS
A Boise State legend is coming home this weekend, and Bronco Nation is getting ready for a very special night on The Blue!
Former quarterback Kellen Moore returns to Boise Saturday as the Broncos host Texas State, with kickoff set for 8 o’clock.
Moore will raise the Blue Chaos flag before the game, and at halftime, Boise State will unveil an 11-foot bronze statue honoring the winningest quarterback in college football history.
Moore led the Broncos to an incredible 50-and-3 record from 2008 through 2011, throwing 142 touchdown passes and becoming Boise State’s first Heisman Trophy finalist.
Now in his second season as head coach of the New Orleans Saints, Moore will be back where his legendary career began.
The statue will eventually stand outside the northeast corner of Albertsons Stadium.
Saturday is also Boise State’s first Blue After Dark game, with fans encouraged to wear black.
Kickoff is at 8 Saturday night, with national television coverage on The CW.
IDAHO STATE FOOTBALL — UTAH TECH PREVIEW
Idaho State football is looking to build some momentum as the Bengals head to Utah Saturday for a first-ever meeting with Utah Tech!
Head coach Cody Hawkins says his team has a little extra bounce in its step after snapping a three-game losing streak. But he also knows there’s little room for error with four regular-season games remaining.
The Bengals will make their first flight of the season to St. George, where they’ll face a Utah Tech team coming off an impressive road win over Cal Poly.
And here’s what has Hawkins’ attention. Utah Tech forced six turnovers in that victory and has been creating problems for opponents with aggressive defensive pressure.
Hawkins says quarterbacks Jordan Cooke and Davis Harsin are both capable of leading the offense, while improved preparation and confidence have helped strengthen the Bengal defense.
Idaho State and Utah Tech meet Saturday in St. George, with the Bengals hoping to make it two wins in a row.
BOISE STATE MEN’S BASKETBALL — FINAL EXHIBITION
Boise State men’s basketball is lighting up the scoreboard, and the Broncos have one final tune-up before the regular season begins!
Leon Rice and his Broncos host Bismarck State tonight at ExtraMile Arena, with tipoff set for 7 o’clock.
Boise State is coming off an impressive 109-to-91 exhibition win over Washington, led by Aginaldo Neto, who poured in a game-high 29 points. Spencer Ahrens added 19, while Dovydas Butka recorded his second straight double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
And the offense is already looking dangerous! The Broncos have scored 191 points in two exhibition games, shooting at least 50 percent from the floor in both contests.
This year’s roster features eight newcomers, including former Summit League MVP Damari Wheeler-Thomas.
Boise State is preparing for its first season in the Pac-12, coming off five consecutive 20-win seasons under Coach Leon Rice.
Tonight’s matchup with Bismarck State tips off at 7 at ExtraMile Arena.
BOISE STATE VOLLEYBALL — PAC-12 ROAD MATCHES
Boise State volleyball hits the road for two big Pac-12 matchups this week, beginning tonight against one of the conference’s top teams!
The Broncos face San Diego State at 7 o’clock tonight. The Aztecs are 13-and-6 overall and 8-and-1 in conference play, sitting second in the Pac-12. San Diego State also beat Boise State earlier this season, so the Broncos are looking for a little revenge.
Then Saturday morning at 11, Boise State takes on Texas State, hoping to complete a season sweep of the Bobcats.
The Broncos are coming off a split weekend, sweeping Utah State in three sets before falling to Colorado State.
Freshman Azlynn Tittmann continues to impress, recording double-digit kills in six straight matches. Meanwhile, Sydney Dreves leads a strong Bronco attack.
Boise State leads the Pac-12 with 11 three-set sweeps and also tops the conference in digs.
Both matches will stream live on the Pac-12 YouTube channel.
IDAHO WOMEN’S SOCCER — PORTLAND STATE AND MONTANA
The Idaho Vandals women’s soccer team is hitting the road with plenty of momentum, coming off a dominant 4-to-nothing shutout of Southern Utah.
Makenna Stuart scored twice in that Senior Day victory, while goalkeeper Paula Flores made four saves to earn her 26th career shutout, extending her school record. It was Idaho’s ninth shutout of the season.
Now the Vandals turn their attention to Portland State this afternoon. The Vikings have struggled this season, sitting at 3-and-12 overall and 1-and-5 in Big Sky play. They’ve lost three straight, including a 4-to-nothing defeat against Northern Arizona.
Idaho will look to keep that offense rolling while continuing its strong defensive play.
Today’s match gets underway at 2 o’clock Mountain Time. The Vandals then travel to Missoula to face Montana Sunday afternoon at 1.
IDAHO CROSS COUNTRY — BIG SKY CHAMPIONSHIPS
The postseason is here for Idaho Vandals cross country, and both the men’s and women’s teams are heading to Arizona with conference championships on their minds!
The Vandals compete tomorrow at the Big Sky Cross Country Championships in Flagstaff, where all eleven conference schools will battle for top honors.
Idaho’s men will send ten runners into the eight-kilometer race, led by veterans Tyler Graff and Zac Knapp. Knapp is coming off a season-best performance earlier this month, while freshmen Miles Lechtenberg and Koda Vandahlen are making their postseason debuts.
On the women’s side, nine Vandals will compete, including senior Constanze Paoli, who’s been outstanding this season with a victory in Montana and a personal-best performance in Oregon. Senior Mary Nakamura is also coming off a personal best.
Coaches say the teams have been building toward this moment all season.
The men’s race begins tomorrow at 11 a.m. Idaho time, followed by the women’s race at noon.
Next up, the NCAA West Regionals in Sacramento on November 13th.
WEATHER
MAGIC VALLEY — MORNING DRIVE
A frosty start across the Magic Valley this morning, but sunshine returns today with highs near 60. Tonight turns cloudy, dropping to 42. Tomorrow, mostly cloudy and near 59, with a chance of late-day showers. Rain chances increase Saturday night, with showers likely Sunday and a cooler high near 48.
MAGIC VALLEY — AFTERNOON DRIVE
Plenty of sunshine across the Magic Valley this afternoon, with highs near 60. Tonight, clouds move in with lows around 42. Tomorrow brings mostly cloudy skies, highs near 59, and a chance of late-day showers. Saturday stays mild, but rain and possible thunderstorms arrive Saturday night. Sunday turns cooler, with showers likely and highs near 48.
MAGIC VALLEY — EVENING/OVERNIGHT
Clouds move into the Magic Valley tonight, with overnight lows near 42. Tomorrow brings mostly cloudy skies, highs near 59, and a chance of late-day showers. Saturday stays mild, but rain and possible thunderstorms move in Saturday night. Sunday turns cooler, with showers likely and highs only around 48.
MAGIC VALLEY — EXTENDED FORECAST
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59. Southeast wind around 6 mph becoming north northwest in the afternoon.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Patchy fog before noon. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 59.
Saturday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 39. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Sunday: Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 32.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 50.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 31.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 54.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 32.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 56.
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